In original terms, the May 2011 merchandise imports were $18,061m, an increase of $698m (4%) on the revised April 2011 merchandise imports of $17,363m.

PRELIMINARY BALANCE OF PAYMENTS GOODS IMPORTS

Preliminary analysis shows that goods debits (imports) on a balance of payments basis in original terms rose $551m (3%) between April and May 2011. In seasonally adjusted terms goods debits fell $7m from $18,771m in April 2011 to $18,764m in May 2011. Capital goods fell $347m (8%) with the civil aircraft and other confidentialised items component down $301m (42%). Non-monetary gold fell $23m (6%). Consumption goods rose $204m (4%) with the non-industrial transport equipment component up $219m (23%) following a fall of 31% the previous month. Intermediate and other merchandise goods rose $159m (2%).

IMPACT OF NATURAL DISASTERS

Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami

The Japanese earthquake and tsunami occurred on 11 March 2011. On a month to month basis, original series can be impacted by a number of factors including commodity prices, exchange rates, supply constraints, consumer confidence and unusual influences. It is not usually possible to quantify the impact of a specific event, like the Japanese earthquake and tsunami on the import series. The impact of these events will be closely monitored by the ABS.

Between April and May 2011 merchandise imports from Japan rose $314m (40%) following a fall of $711m (48%) between March and April 2011. The non-industrial transport equipment component fell $494m (81%) between March and April 2011, but rose $190m between April and May 2011. The fuels and lubricants component was up $150m between April and May 2011.

NOTES

FORTHCOMING ISSUES

ISSUE

Release Date

June 2011

19 July 2011

July 2011

18 August 2011

August 2011

19 September 2011

September 2011

19 October 2011

October 2011

17 November 2011

November 2011

19 December 2011

INQUIRIES

For further information about these and related statistics, contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or Olivia Lam on Canberra (02) 6252 7406.